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Alexandra Quick #1
Alexandra Quick and the Thorn Circle
The war against Voldemort never reached America, but all is not well there. When 11-year-old Alexandra Quick learns she is a witch, she is plunged into a world of prejudices, intrigue, and danger. Who wants Alexandra dead, and why?
585 pages, ebook
First published December 23, 2007
7 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 9, 2017
I have read this book probably 6 or 7 times, and I love it just as much now as I did the first time. The language is simple, utilitarian, 'sandersonesque' if I can be allowed to make up a word, but the world it depicts is vivid and enchanting. The plot apes the first couple of Harry Potter books, leading to a fairly predictable conclusion, but backstory and world-building abound, leading to further entries in the series that are far more complex.
The characters though, the characters are where the true magic of Alexandra Quick can be found. I think a large part of my unbound passion for this series of Harry Potter fan-fic novels can be traced to the fact that I identify so heavily with Alexandra herself. There is a scene where Alex is called to the Dean's office for the umpteenth time, and the secretary (a portrait) rolls her eyes and says 'You know what to do'. That was me in middle school to a T.
Beyond the main character, who can be infuriating at times, there is large cast of complex supporting characters. Lilith Grimm, for example, is one of the most confounding characters I've ever read about. Even after all my rereads, I still don't know if I like her or not, or even whether she's a 'good guy' or a villain. David, Anna, the Pritchard twins, these characters are all more nuanced than their Harry Potter counterparts, and with backstories that are further developed as the series continues. There are so many other characters that I can't even begin to discuss without major spoilers for this and other books, but suffice to say, there is A LOT going on here, and this first installment is merely laying the groundwork for what follows. I had planned to just to reread of AQaTC, mostly to try out the new re-read feature, but now I'm pretty much doomed to finish the entire series again, probably by the end of the weekend.
The characters though, the characters are where the true magic of Alexandra Quick can be found. I think a large part of my unbound passion for this series of Harry Potter fan-fic novels can be traced to the fact that I identify so heavily with Alexandra herself. There is a scene where Alex is called to the Dean's office for the umpteenth time, and the secretary (a portrait) rolls her eyes and says 'You know what to do'. That was me in middle school to a T.
Beyond the main character, who can be infuriating at times, there is large cast of complex supporting characters. Lilith Grimm, for example, is one of the most confounding characters I've ever read about. Even after all my rereads, I still don't know if I like her or not, or even whether she's a 'good guy' or a villain. David, Anna, the Pritchard twins, these characters are all more nuanced than their Harry Potter counterparts, and with backstories that are further developed as the series continues. There are so many other characters that I can't even begin to discuss without major spoilers for this and other books, but suffice to say, there is A LOT going on here, and this first installment is merely laying the groundwork for what follows. I had planned to just to reread of AQaTC, mostly to try out the new re-read feature, but now I'm pretty much doomed to finish the entire series again, probably by the end of the weekend.
August 25, 2014
Alexandra Quick is a decent Harry Potter fan fiction spin-off, written by a competent author. Though ultimately too-derivative, it is nevertheless a fun read, even if the characters and locations don't quite come to life as they do in the canon.
The story is moved from Britain to the US Midwest. Instead of Hogwarts, we have the Charmbridge Academy. The author does a good job of Americanizing both the school and the wizarding society in general. Deans instead of (Deputy) Headmasters, Quodpot in addition to Quidditch, rednecks vs. city-folks in addition to pure-bloods vs. Muggle-borns, even racial tensions of American society all seem to be competently mirrored in the happenings at Charmbridge, though obviously I'm not American and so cannot be completely certain of it. A nice touch is also that in the wizarding world the American territory is split into several administrative units, which brings another source of tension, some politics and a good world-building element to the package.
Other than that, it's pretty much the same as Harry Potter. Instead of a bespectacled British boy, we have a fierce American girl, Alexandra Quick, who can actually be rather annoying at times, since she is obstinate to the point of stupidity. Instead of an owl, she has a raven. Instead of Ron and Hermione, we have David and Anna. Instead of Dumbledore, we have Dean Grimm etc. Like I said, quite derivative, but understandable. I mean some things are bound to be the same if you're writing about eleven year old kids starting at a magical school.
There are a couple of tie-ins with the Harry Potter canon (which is never violated), mostly in the form of connections to Lord Voldemort and the pure-blood supremacist movement, but other than that it is a story that stands on its own. Although it doesn't quite have the pull of the original series and there may not be enough going on to make it a really interesting story, I am tempted to read the sequel as well, as the overall experience is fairly enjoyable.
The story is moved from Britain to the US Midwest. Instead of Hogwarts, we have the Charmbridge Academy. The author does a good job of Americanizing both the school and the wizarding society in general. Deans instead of (Deputy) Headmasters, Quodpot in addition to Quidditch, rednecks vs. city-folks in addition to pure-bloods vs. Muggle-borns, even racial tensions of American society all seem to be competently mirrored in the happenings at Charmbridge, though obviously I'm not American and so cannot be completely certain of it. A nice touch is also that in the wizarding world the American territory is split into several administrative units, which brings another source of tension, some politics and a good world-building element to the package.
Other than that, it's pretty much the same as Harry Potter. Instead of a bespectacled British boy, we have a fierce American girl, Alexandra Quick, who can actually be rather annoying at times, since she is obstinate to the point of stupidity. Instead of an owl, she has a raven. Instead of Ron and Hermione, we have David and Anna. Instead of Dumbledore, we have Dean Grimm etc. Like I said, quite derivative, but understandable. I mean some things are bound to be the same if you're writing about eleven year old kids starting at a magical school.
There are a couple of tie-ins with the Harry Potter canon (which is never violated), mostly in the form of connections to Lord Voldemort and the pure-blood supremacist movement, but other than that it is a story that stands on its own. Although it doesn't quite have the pull of the original series and there may not be enough going on to make it a really interesting story, I am tempted to read the sequel as well, as the overall experience is fairly enjoyable.
March 1, 2024
This was amazing!
August 31, 2015
Alexandra Quick is not nearly as good a read as Harry Potter is, but it's nonetheless enjoyable, if somewhat predictable. If you're looking for a high-quality Harry Potter fanfic, I highly recommend this one.
February 21, 2021
I love how Alexandra lives in the Harry Potter universe, but finds magic in her own way. The story is engaging because it expands the Harry Potter universe and the plotline is definitely different than a Harry Potter book.
January 2, 2026
It is almost trite to say that a fanfiction is "better than the canon" but this is better than the Harry Potter series. And the funny thing about it is that Alexandra Quick barely meets the definition of fanfiction. Inverarity's wizarding world is in the United States and none (none!!) of the characters are taken from J.K. Rowling's. The only thing stopping this from being an *excellent* stand alone series is the borrowing of some magical systems and fantastical beasts.
This book is thrilling and truly excellent young adult fantasy. Alexandra is passionate, nervous, excited, angry, and flawed as hell, which makes for a compelling lead character that challenges the reader. The rest of the cast complements her in ways that bring out her best and worst qualities.
This book is thrilling and truly excellent young adult fantasy. Alexandra is passionate, nervous, excited, angry, and flawed as hell, which makes for a compelling lead character that challenges the reader. The rest of the cast complements her in ways that bring out her best and worst qualities.
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February 25, 2023Maximum respect to the author for writing an entire series of basically original novels that they cannot ever sell because it exists thousands of miles away from all the characters in the Harry Potter universe. That's just the love of the game.
This is a very nicely done pastiche of the early HP books that understands what's appealing about them—the twists that are fun even if you guess them, the character who is frequently wrong (which opens up a lot of new mysterious ground for readers at the end of the book) for the right reasons, the boarding school environment, etc. Could have done with fewer identical conversations between Alex and Anna, though.
This is a very nicely done pastiche of the early HP books that understands what's appealing about them—the twists that are fun even if you guess them, the character who is frequently wrong (which opens up a lot of new mysterious ground for readers at the end of the book) for the right reasons, the boarding school environment, etc. Could have done with fewer identical conversations between Alex and Anna, though.
January 23, 2022
To be honest I was a little bit nervous as this is an OC fanfiction story, but it completely blew me away. It was a new fully fledged world with fully fledged characters that I read all 165,657 words in the span of four days. Alexandra is what I would describe as self centered and bratty, but is able to open up due to her traumatic experiences.
If you're looking for a fresh take on J.K. Rowling's wizarding world I'd highly recommend this story.
If you're looking for a fresh take on J.K. Rowling's wizarding world I'd highly recommend this story.
February 17, 2025
I was so mad at every fucking adult being mean to Alexandra.. Like yeah of course she's going to be troublesome if that's the only thing you are expecting of her! The abuse scene?! Horrible, horrible. I will not continue to read the next parts, since they are very long (around 500 pages each) and I just cannot stand the grating feeling of such unfair treatment. It's just unrealistic, adults speaking to a child in such a way.
February 24, 2025
A top notch HP fanfic! Alexandra Quick is only tangentially related to HP, only part of HP universe that seems to be a plot point is house elves other than that it stands on it's own while not breaking any HP universe rules.
It's thoroughly Americanized which actually helps it be its own thing. Honestly it can even be published as it's own thing. A story that should be read by anyone who wants more HP.
It's thoroughly Americanized which actually helps it be its own thing. Honestly it can even be published as it's own thing. A story that should be read by anyone who wants more HP.
August 21, 2023
Great series. I'm always on the lookout for a new good fanfiction but usually only 5-10% of those that I try are keepers, the rest I often stop after a couple pages. I really liked this series even if at the beginning it takes some getting used to the different setting. Definitely recommend at least giving it a try.
August 3, 2024
I quite simply loved this book and the others in the series. Such a clever take on a HP fanfic, I did not know it was until well after book 3. this author knows how to write. I appreciate your work and I’m excited for the next book in the series.
Would recommend to everyone who likes the magic and academy settings in books. And it is so much more.
Would recommend to everyone who likes the magic and academy settings in books. And it is so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2018
This was the female american harry potter with the same not so quick teachers around her, and focussing on a few very specific and mostly copied but with a different take moralistic issues.
I like Alexandra, but expected more (surprise, ingenuity, difference) of the otherwise well written story.
I like Alexandra, but expected more (surprise, ingenuity, difference) of the otherwise well written story.
February 24, 2020
I have devoured these books as I devoured the HP novels. I will read and reread them, as I did with HP. They are wonderfully crafted and, in my opinion, works of excellence that deserve just as much praise as the Rowling creations.
July 31, 2024
I went in without much expectations. But- It was truly a pleasure reading this book. The first book in itself was quite peculiar and caught my attention. The narrative was similar to the Harry Potter Series, but so unique since it takes place in America.
June 28, 2020
Better than the 1st Harry Potter book. Alexandra isn't likable, she's real.
December 12, 2021
It's weird that a piece of Harry Potter fanfic could be better than the original, but here we are.
June 26, 2022
Very interesting take on the HP universe in america. I love how the writing has a mix of teen + young adult writing.
May 27, 2025
3.75, she’s just so frustrating sometimes i can’t fully enjoy it
December 9, 2024
I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this book. I read a ton of fantasy and sci-fi and this is the first time I have ever written a review on Goodreads. My sister-in-law recommended this book and I was hooked immediately. I reread the Harry Potter series every year and Alexandra Quick has all of the nostalgia of being a series about a school in the Wizarding World, but it very much stands on its own with complex characters, quirky details about the wizarding community in America and a unique plot. I am excited to read the other books in the series and so hope Inverarity plans on writing a 7th book. I cannot believe this hidden gem of a series does not have more attention. I highly recommend it!!! Also, Sam Gabriel does a fantastic job narrating!
July 9, 2022
Re-read:
One of my favorite series of all time. Inverarity is incredible at writing realistic children.
4.8 stars ~
This was so good. I cannot BELIEVE how good it was. I genuinely don't think I was ever as enthralled in the Harry Potter books as I was this, and the first HP book certainly wasn't as good.
I thought that the world was expanded on perfectly, while known elements from the original series were kept in to further plot and worldbuilding rather than just for the heck of it.
The only reason I can't rate this as a full 5 stars is because of how, in my opinion, weirdly the friendships were handled and referred to within the story. At the end of the book, the Dean remarks about how fiercely loyal all of Alex's friends are towards her; I just don't see any evidence of that in how her friends treat her throughout the story. I swear every other thing they say to her is a backhanded insult and they spend most of their time ignoring her.
The worst case of this is at the end of the book (SPOILERS) when Benedict is trying to kill Alex. After she literally had someone POINT A GUN TO HER CHEST AND SHOOT, trying to MURDER her, not to mention the injuries she sustained leading up to that, her friends, leaning over her in her HOSPITAL BED, told her how if Anna had gotten hurt, then they would've had a real problem with her. That just doesn't sound like loyalty to me and everyone constantly holding her friends' feelings as more valuable than Alex' LIFE became comical by the end of the book. Then everyone was surprised when Alex was willing to let Benedict kill her instead of mildly injure Anna because everyone in Alex's life had conditioned her to think anyone else was more important than her from day one at the school.
Obviously there were parts where it was frustrating that Alex was in danger and no one did anything about it, but I remember that as being the main plot device in the HP books so no foul there.
I don't know if I like it or not, but there is definitely a change in how punishment and student safety is handled in this book as compared to the HP ones. Where Umbridge cutting Harry's hand was seen as magnificently cruel and the worst case of student abuse in the series, the Dean beats Alex's hands and she is, well, I don't really know how to describe that scene towards the end where the Magic Theory teacher does something similar to Crucio against Alex to, um, teach her a lesson?
Anyway, great book, just a little concerned about Alex, considering nearly everyone is a massive c*** to her (not to say she doesn't deserve it some of the time lol).
One of my favorite series of all time. Inverarity is incredible at writing realistic children.
4.8 stars ~
This was so good. I cannot BELIEVE how good it was. I genuinely don't think I was ever as enthralled in the Harry Potter books as I was this, and the first HP book certainly wasn't as good.
I thought that the world was expanded on perfectly, while known elements from the original series were kept in to further plot and worldbuilding rather than just for the heck of it.
The only reason I can't rate this as a full 5 stars is because of how, in my opinion, weirdly the friendships were handled and referred to within the story. At the end of the book, the Dean remarks about how fiercely loyal all of Alex's friends are towards her; I just don't see any evidence of that in how her friends treat her throughout the story. I swear every other thing they say to her is a backhanded insult and they spend most of their time ignoring her.
The worst case of this is at the end of the book (SPOILERS) when Benedict is trying to kill Alex. After she literally had someone POINT A GUN TO HER CHEST AND SHOOT, trying to MURDER her, not to mention the injuries she sustained leading up to that, her friends, leaning over her in her HOSPITAL BED, told her how if Anna had gotten hurt, then they would've had a real problem with her. That just doesn't sound like loyalty to me and everyone constantly holding her friends' feelings as more valuable than Alex' LIFE became comical by the end of the book. Then everyone was surprised when Alex was willing to let Benedict kill her instead of mildly injure Anna because everyone in Alex's life had conditioned her to think anyone else was more important than her from day one at the school.
Obviously there were parts where it was frustrating that Alex was in danger and no one did anything about it, but I remember that as being the main plot device in the HP books so no foul there.
I don't know if I like it or not, but there is definitely a change in how punishment and student safety is handled in this book as compared to the HP ones. Where Umbridge cutting Harry's hand was seen as magnificently cruel and the worst case of student abuse in the series, the Dean beats Alex's hands and she is, well, I don't really know how to describe that scene towards the end where the Magic Theory teacher does something similar to Crucio against Alex to, um, teach her a lesson?
Anyway, great book, just a little concerned about Alex, considering nearly everyone is a massive c*** to her (not to say she doesn't deserve it some of the time lol).
October 16, 2014
Nominally, this is Harry Potter fanfiction. But in all other aspects, this is a fully fledged novel with all the hallmarks of great urban fantasy literature, combining J.K. Rowling's magical conception of England and transmuting it to America, extrapolating on the original. It does NOT, unlike 99.9999% of all other fanfiction, involve the original characters. It mentions Voldemort maybe twice; otherwise, an entire cast has been fleshed out from scratch by a very talented author.
Alexandra Quick is the main protagonist, as the title indicates. She goes off to magical school at age 11, like canon, but there the similarities stop. She is far more cognisant of her magical abilities than Harry Potter ever was before Hagrid came along; she is far more of a troublemaker, aggressive and stubborn to the last; she's extremely powerful with any magic she undertakes, and she also doesn't trust adults. At all.
Despite all her flaws, she somehow comes into possession of a friend, Anna Chu, who is Alex's polar opposite in many respects (studious, respectful of teachers, somewhat shy around strangers) yet both are very intelligent witches, and Anna often acts as a check on Alex's bullheadedness.
The story is darker than Harry Potter's first installment, involving a fair amount of violence; like Harry Potter, though, the books increase in darkness as the series goes on.
I would recommend this story to absolutely anyone. Anyone at all. It is astounding in its maturity and complexity, and if Harry Potter has left you feeling a tad underwhelmed, but you still want more magic, then this is absolutely the series for you.
Alexandra Quick is the main protagonist, as the title indicates. She goes off to magical school at age 11, like canon, but there the similarities stop. She is far more cognisant of her magical abilities than Harry Potter ever was before Hagrid came along; she is far more of a troublemaker, aggressive and stubborn to the last; she's extremely powerful with any magic she undertakes, and she also doesn't trust adults. At all.
Despite all her flaws, she somehow comes into possession of a friend, Anna Chu, who is Alex's polar opposite in many respects (studious, respectful of teachers, somewhat shy around strangers) yet both are very intelligent witches, and Anna often acts as a check on Alex's bullheadedness.
The story is darker than Harry Potter's first installment, involving a fair amount of violence; like Harry Potter, though, the books increase in darkness as the series goes on.
I would recommend this story to absolutely anyone. Anyone at all. It is astounding in its maturity and complexity, and if Harry Potter has left you feeling a tad underwhelmed, but you still want more magic, then this is absolutely the series for you.
August 29, 2013
I'll admit it - I stumbled into the series feeling apprehensive. Fanfiction? In all my life I'd only liked a total of one of them(a Canon by the author), but a page in, like wasn't the word to describe this book. I was enthralled and amazed. The main character Alexandra annoyed me, amused me, and had me ceaselessly worrying over her. Half the time I wanted to shake her but I never wanted to put her or her world down. Not only is Alexandra well written but the side characters were also well developed enough so that they felt real. Another thing this author achieved was sticking to the Harry Potter universe and inventing off of it, her words sound so much like the style of the Harry Potter books that I have to remind myself the piece isn't technically part of the series. The book is heavy in plot, interesting and well thought out, pick it up and you'll be swallowed in minutes no matter what your earlier 'responsibilities' were. I find myself talking about this book to people who haven't even read Harry Potter, and while speed reading am upset that I'm approaching the end of the books
March 31, 2015
Very good! I'm not much into fan fiction (half of them seems to be of homo erotic recasting of main characters, and I'm not that much into *that* after all)...
Anyway, this is an incredible take on J K Rowlings' world, transplanted into the US. Some stuff is shared with or based on Harry Potter, but the majority of the story is unique. It's not that Alexandra herself is very likeable, but to be honest I also had some serious reservations about mister Potter, and found myself yelling at both characters half the time.
But that doesn't mean the Alexandra Quick stories are bad, quote the opposite. Thus far I actually prefer Alexandra Quick over Harry Potter. Go figure...
Try these. They are free. And very, very good.
Anyway, this is an incredible take on J K Rowlings' world, transplanted into the US. Some stuff is shared with or based on Harry Potter, but the majority of the story is unique. It's not that Alexandra herself is very likeable, but to be honest I also had some serious reservations about mister Potter, and found myself yelling at both characters half the time.
But that doesn't mean the Alexandra Quick stories are bad, quote the opposite. Thus far I actually prefer Alexandra Quick over Harry Potter. Go figure...
Try these. They are free. And very, very good.
December 31, 2018
This is one of those rare fanfictions that are just as enjoyable as the original series, if not more. AQatTC provides new twists on the traditional fantasy story and a fresh style of writing make for a great adventure. The book's non-stop pacing grabs the reader's interest and refuses to let go.
January 2, 2026
Relecture... Toujours aussi bien! Quelle inventivité, ce n'est pas du tout une redite mais les livres de Harry Potter sont un tremplin à la création d'un univers relié mais très indépendant de notre saga préférée.
May 4, 2024
2nd read- still good, just rereading leading up to the new book
July 16, 2024
Perhaps even better than the original books
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews